WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council President Tony Perkins today praised Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and those senators who voted to stop the Senate Defense Authorization bill by voting against the motion to proceed.

Of the vote Perkins said:

"This is a victory for the men and women who serve our nation in uniform. At least for now they will not be used to advance a radical social agenda. We applaud Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator John McCain and Senator Jim Inhofe for their successful efforts to stop this legislation which would not only force open homosexuality on the military but also turn our military hospitals into abortion clinics.

"While Democratic leadership took their cues from pop singer Lady Gaga, Republicans and a few Democratic colleagues instead considered the views of all four military service chiefs who have urged Congress to keep the current law.

"Yesterday, Lady Gaga showed contempt for those in the military who support the current policy by saying, 'Our new law is called, "If you don't like it, go home".' This seems to echo Admiral Mullen's warning that opponents of repeal should 'vote with your feet,' and reported comments by Lt. Gen. Thomas Bostick that such proponents of the current policy must 'get with the program' or 'get out.'

"Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid apparently doesn't realize that if everyone with traditional values leaves the military, virtually no one will be left to defend our country. Certainly not Lady Gaga. It's a sad commentary on our Congressional leadership when they pay more attention to an entertainer with a flair for the bizarre than they do to the leaders of all four service branches," concluded Perkins.